Monthly Archives: March 2012

Red Rocks has it all. Cracks galore all sizes and shapes, multi pitch face climbs up bullet hard sandstone, and Calico Hills a sport climbing mecca. Jerry and I have been sampling some of the best routes, one I would highly recommend is Ginger Cracks. Today we rose early with plans to be first on the route – this plan delivered we arrived and had a few moments to ourselves.

Ginger Cracks is a 7 pitch route up the northeast side of a pillar in Juniper Canyon. The route is steep and sustained with crack and delicate face climbing. This was a prize route that Jerry and I planned to climb together. We enjoyed the spectacular setting climbing high above the desert floor.

Mammut is 150 years old. To celebrate Bill (Mammut USA CEO) selected a premier team of outdoor enthusiasts from all over the US to climb NH’s most beautiful mountain. To prepare for this climb of Mt Washington the team was equipped with the new Mammut Peaks Collection clothing and equipment. This Mammut team experienced challenge and excitement on a fun adventure climbing to the summit. We all worked together with Mammut’s essential values in mind – solidarity and teamwork.

Laurie had her first taste of the ice today and she was full of smiles. We went to Willey’s and had the place to ourselves for most of the day. Conditions were excellent, mostly soft ice with some areas plastered with a few inches from last nights squall. We spent a few hours at the base area getting comfortable on knots, belays techniques, and anchoring systems. Then it was time to climb and climb we did. Our first route went upper the plum center line for four pitches. We topped out at 1 pm. Plenty of time for a second route up the felt side. It was a great day on the ice with Laurie, we had fun and she was challenged.

Laurie with Willeys Slide behind.

Laurie learning the systems, here she is placing an ice screw for our first anchor.

Steve and I had unfinished business with this climb. Last season we wallowed in the snow up to our chests just to reach the base of the climb. We climb a few pitches but decide to let the snow settle out.

Today we were back for more. This time the snow conditions were manageable and the ice was phat. We climbed both Lower and Upper Hitchcock and topped out on Willard.

Today was a truly spectacular day in the mountains.

Steve getting warmed up on a cold day.

Upper Hitchcock loaded with ice.

The view keeps getting better as we climb higher.

The final top out into the forest.

The top of Mt Willard – One of the better view points in the White Mountains.